Ozone generator

ABSTRACT

A substantially tubular-shaped ozone generator embodying an inner electrode, a coaxial outer electrode surrounding the inner electrode and a tube member formed of dielectric material arranged between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. Within the tube member formed of dielectric material there is arranged a substantially cylindrical core provided at its outer surface with one or a number of substantially helically-shaped grooves extending in the axial direction of the core and forming a throughpass channel for the medium to be ozonized and the ozone which is generated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved construction of asubstantially tubular-shaped ozone generator which is of the typecomprising an inner electrode, a coaxial outer electrode surroundingsuch inner electrode, and a tubular member formed of dielectric materialarranged between the inner electrode and the outer electrode.

Such type ozone generators which work with quiet discharges are known tothe art. Yet these heretofore known ozonizers either have insufficientozone yield or possess a complicated construction and require a greatdeal of space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Hence, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide animproved construction of an ozone generator which is not associated withthe aforementioned drawbacks and limitations of the prior artconstructions.

Another and more specific object of the present invention aims at theprovision of a new and improved ozone generator of the previouslymentioned type which produces a large quantity of ozone in an economicalfashion.

Now in order to implement these and still further objects of the presentinvention, which will become more readily apparent as the descriptionproceeds, the inventive ozone generator is manifested by the featuresthat within the tubular member formed of dielectric material there isarranged a substantially cylindrical core which is provided at its outersurface with one or a number of substantially helically-shaped groovesextending in the axial direction of the core, these grooves providing athroughpass channel for the medium which is to be ozonized and the ozonewhich is produced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those setforth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to thefollowing detailed description thereof. Such description makes referenceto the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates partially in sectional view a first exemplaryembodiment of an ozone generator constructed according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the ozone generator shown in FIG. 1, looking in thedirection of the arrow A;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of ozone generatorpartially in sectional view; and

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view through part of the ozonegenerator depicted in FIG. 3 but without the outer shell or jacket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Describing now the drawings, the ozone generator or ozonizer illustratedby way of example in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be seen to comprise asubstantially hollow cylindrical core 1 which is resistant to ozone. Thecore 1 is preferably formed of aluminum and is provided at its outersurface with an electrically non-conductive layer produced for instanceby means of an ematal-process.

The core 1 is further equipped at its outer surface with at least onegroove 2 extending in a substantially helically-shaped configurationalong its lengthwise axis. This helically-shaped groove 2 is formed by ahelical winding or helix 2c and has an inlet 2a and an outlet 2b andforms a throughpass or throughpassage channel 2c for the medium which isto be ozonized e.g. air or oxygen and the ozone which is formed. Thepath of movement of the medium flowing through the groove 2 has beenschematically indicated by reference character 3 in FIG. 1. It is alsopossible to provide, as mentioned, a plurality of such helically-shapedgrooves 2.

The depth and width of the groove or grooves 2 can be randomly selectedand therefore designed for an optimum ozone yield.

Internally of the core 1 there is formed a cooling channel 4 having aninlet opening 4a and an outlet opening 4b, through which channel therecan be caused to flow, if needed, a cooling medium, for instance air orwater.

Around the core 1 there is arranged an inner electrode 5 which is formedof a fine mesh metal grid resistant to ozone. The electrode grid 5possesses an electrically non-conductive outer layer, generallyindicated by reference character 5a. The electrode grid 5 is preferablyformed of aluminum, and the aforementioned outer layer can be producedby means of an ematal-process.

By means of the core 1 the electrode grid 5 is mechanically reinforcedand calibrated and pressed against a tube or tubular member 6 formed ofa suitable dielectric material which surrounds the electrode grid 5.This tubular member or tube 6 is preferably a glass tube or pipe.

About the tubular member 6 there is arranged the outer electrode 7preferably consisting of a metallic foil. This metallic foil 7 issurrounded by an outer jacket or shell 8 having radially protrudingcooling fins or ribs 9 extending in axial direction. The shell or jacket8 is formed from individually joined elements 8a which extend in axialdirection and are located next to one another, as best seen by referringto FIG. 2. Each of these elements 8a carries a cooling rib or fin 9. Theelements 8a are held together for instance by not particularlyillustrated conventional clamping elements, for instance metallic wires,so that the metallic foil 7 is uniformly pressed against the tubularmember 6. The outer jacket or shell 8 including the cooling ribs or fins9 are preferably formed from aluminum.

Continuing, a not particularly illustrated conventional voltage sourceis electrically connected with the inner electrode 5 and the outerelectrode 7, and specifically either directly or by means of the core 1and the outer jacket or shell 8 respectively. The production of ozone isaccomplished in standard fashion by means of a corona discharge whichappears at the medium flowing through the groove 2.

The illustrated construction allows for a uniform spacing of theelectrodes 5 and 7, which is extremely important for proper operation ofthe device. If, for instance, the spacing between these electrodes isirregular, then in the case of a number of parallel conected ozonegenerators or ozonizers the individual ozonizers will be irregularlyloaded, impairing the intensity of the corona discharge.

With respect to the exemplary embodiment of ozonizer or ozone generatoras shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it will be seen that the same likewisecomprises a core 11 which is resistant to ozone. This core 11 serves asthe inner electrode and is formed of electrically conductive material.

Core 11 is provided at its outer surface with at least one substantiallyhelically-shaped groove 12 extending along the lengthwise axis of thecore and having an inlet 12a and an outlet 12b. Grove 12 forms athroughpass channel 12c for the medium which is to be ozonized, forinstance air or oxygen and the ozone which is formed. The path ofmovement of the medium flowing through the groove 12 has been indicatedin FIG. 3 by reference character 13. Again, it is here mentioned that itis also possible to provide a number of such helically-shaped grooves12.

The depth and width of the groove or grooves 12, also for thisembodiment, can be randomly selected and therefore designed for optimumozone yield.

Internally of the core 11 there is formed a cooling channel 14 having aninlet opening 14a and an outlet opening 14b, through which coolingchannel, when necessary, there can flow a cooling medium, for instanceair or water.

The lateral boundary wall 15 of the groove 12 consists of anelectrically non-conductive, ozone resistant material, for instanceplastic. With the illustrated embodiment this boundary wall 15 is formedby a strand 16 formed of plastic, for instance soft-PVC (polyvinylChloride), of substantially circular cross-section. The strand 16 canalso exhibit a different cross-sectional shape and/or can be constructedas a hose having an internal throughpassage opening.

This strand 16 extends in a substantially helically-shaped configurationalong the core 11 and is inserted into a helically-shaped recess 17provided at such core 11 (FIG. 4). Strand 16 is held in place in anysuitable manner within such recess 17. When there is used more than asingle groove 12 then a corresponding number of strands 16 is needed.

At the outer side or surface forming the base of the groove 12 there areprovided thread-like notches or indentations 18 extending in asubstantially helical-shaped configuration, by means of which there areformed pointed raised portions or protuberances 18 functioning asdischarge tips. The raised portions 19 located at the base of the groove12 also can be formed in another suitable manner.

Around the core 11 there is arranged a coaxial tube or tubular member 20formed of dielectric material, preferably a glass tube or pipe. Theboundary wall 15 i.e. the plastic strand 16 bears against the innersurface of the tube 20, so that the flowing medium cannot penetratebetween the strand 16 and the tube 20.

An outer electrode 21 is arranged around the tube or tubular member 20,this outer electrode 21 preferably consisting of a metallic foil.Similar to the arrangement of FIGS. 1 and 2, this metallic foil 21 issurrounded by an outer jacket or shell 22 which is partially visible inFIG. 3 but has been omitted in FIG. 4. This outer jacket 22 possessesradial protruding cooling ribs or fins 23 which extend in axialdirection. The jacket or shell 22 is formed by individual elements 23awhich are appropriately joined together, extend in axial direction andare located next to one another, as best seen by referring to FIG. 2.Each of these elements 23a carries a cooling rib or fin 23. The elements23a are held together by any suitable and therefore not particularlyillustrated tensioning or clamping members, for instance metallic wires,so that the metallic foil 21 can be uniformly pressed against the tube20. The outer jacket 22 together with its cooling ribs or fins 23 ispreferably formed of aluminum.

A not particularly illustrated suitable voltage source is electricallyconnected with the core 11 serving as the inner electrode and the outerelectrode 21 or the outer jacket or shell 22. Generation of ozone iscarried out in conventional manner at the medium flowing through thegroove or grooves 12, by a corona discharge occurring between the core11 and the outer electrode 21. The pointed raised portions 19 at thebase of the grooves 12 advantageously act upon the corona discharge(producing uniform discharges).

The medium which is to be ozonized, for both of the exemplaryembodiments, is preferably forced under high pressure through thegrooves 2 and 12 respectively. Compressed air is advantageously employedas the medium which is to be ozonized. Owing to the high coronaintensity the ozone generator also is not operationally impaired whenusing a medium which is not completely pre-dried since there isprevented the formation of an arc.

Due to the helically-shaped path of movement 3 and 13, respectively, ofthe medium to be ozonized such remains within the ozone generator, for agiven structural length thereof, for a greater period of time than inthe case of linearly extending paths of movement. Consequently, it ispossible, even with greater velocity of the throughflowing medium, toproduce a large quantity of ozone.

The developed heat which is undesired for the production of the ozone iswithdrawn by means of the cooling ribs or fins 9 and 23 at the outershell or jacket 8 and 22 respectively. An additional withdrawal of heatis realized by means of the cooling medium flowing through the coolingchannels 4 and 14 of the cores 1 and 11 respectively.

The described ozone generators can operate at high pressures and withsmall energy consumption and, among other things, are especiallysuitable for use in water purification installations of the mostdifferent types.

These ozone generators can be operated at a voltage having the normalnetwork frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz and the applied voltage can amountto for example between 8 and 20 kV.

While there are shown and described present preferred embodiments of theinvention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is notlimited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied and practicedwithin the scope of the following claims. Accordingly,

What is claimed is:
 1. A substantially tubular-shaped ozone generatorcomprising:an inner electrode of substantially hollow cylindricalconfiguration, said inner electrode consisting of a metallic grid, anouter electrode coaxially arranged to and surrounding said innerelectrode, a tubular member formed of dielectric material arrangedbetween said inner electrode and said outer electrode, said tubularmember being in contact with said outer electrode, a substantiallycylindrical core arranged within said inner electrode and surrounded bysaid inner electrode, and helix means extending around said corethroughout the length of said core, said helix means also extending fromthe outer surface of said core and pressing said inner electrode againstsaid tubular member, said helix means defining at least onesubstantially helically-shaped groove extending substantially in theaxial direction of said core, and said at least one groove providing theonly throughpass channel for a medium to be ozonized and the ozone whichis formed.
 2. The ozone generator as defined in claim 1 wherein saidinner electrode comprises a fine-mesh grid and is provided with anelectrically non-conductive outer layer resistant to ozone.
 3. The ozonegenerator as defined in claim 2 wherein: said inner electrode is formedof aluminum.
 4. The ozone generator as defined in claim 1 wherein: saidcore is formed of metal and possesses an outer layer which is resistantto ozone.
 5. The ozone generator as defined in claim 4 wherein: the coreis formed of aluminum.
 6. The ozone generator as defined in claim 1wherein: said core possesses a substantially hollow cylindricalconstruction and is equipped internally thereof with cooling channelmeans for the through flow of a cooling medium.
 7. The ozone generatoras defined in claim 1 wherein: said tubular member formed of dielectricmaterial is a glass tube.
 8. The ozone generator as defined in claim 1wherein the outer electrode is formed of a metallic foil, and whereinthere is provided a substantially hollow cylindrical outer shell, saidouter electrode being fixedly retained between said tubular member andsaid hollow cylindrical outer shell.
 9. The ozone generator as definedin claim 8 wherein: said outer shell is formed of metal and is providedwith radially protruding and axially extending cooling fins.
 10. Theozone generator as defined in claim 9 wherein: said outer shell isformed of aluminum.
 11. The ozone generator as defined in claim 8wherein: said outer shell comprises a plurality of adjacently situatedindividual elements which extend in axial direction and which are heldtogether.
 12. A substantially tubular-shaped ozone generatorcomprising:an inner electrode, an outer electrode coaxially arranged toand surrounding said inner electrode, a tubular member formed ofdielectric material arranged between said inner electrode and said outerelectrode, said tubular member being in contact with said outerelectrode, said inner electrode being formed of a substantiallycylindrical core arranged within and surrounded by said tubular member,helix means extending around said core from the outer surface of saidcore and against the inner surface of said tubular member, said helixmeans extending around said core throughout the length of said core anddefining at least one substantially helically-shaped groove extendingsubstantially in the axial direction of said core, and said at least onegroove providing the only throughpass channel for a medium to beozonized and the ozone which is formed.
 13. The ozone generator asdefined in claim 12 wherein: said helix means includes lateral boundarywall means formed of an electrically non-conductive material.
 14. Theozone generator as defined in claim 13 wherein: said boundary wall meansis formed of plastic.
 15. The ozone generator as defined in claim 13wherein said boundary wall means is formed of at least one strand whichextends in a substantially helical-shaped configuration along the outersurface of the core.
 16. The ozone generator as defined in claim 15wherein: the outer surface of said core is provided with a substantiallyhelically-shaped recess, said strand being arranged in saidhelically-shaped recess of said core.
 17. The ozone generator as definedin claim 12 wherein: said core has pointed raised portions in said atleast one groove.
 18. The ozone generator as defined in claim 17wherein: said raised portions are defined by substantially threadlikeindentations provided at the outer surface of the core.
 19. The ozonegenerator as defined in claim 12 wherein: said core is formed of metaland possesses an outer layer which is resistant to ozone.
 20. The ozonegenerator as defined in claim 19 wherein: the core is formed ofaluminum.
 21. The ozone generator as defined in claim 12 wherein: saidcore possesses a substantially hollow cylindrical construction and isequipped internally thereof with cooling channel means for thethroughflow of a cooling medium.
 22. The ozone generator as defined inclaim 12 wherein: said tubular member formed of dielectric material is aglass tube.
 23. The ozone generator as defined in claim 12 wherein: theouter electrode comprises a metallic foil, and wherein there is provideda substantially hollow cylindrical outer shell, said outer electrodebeing fixedly retained between said tubular member and said hollowcylindrical outer shell.
 24. The ozone generator as defined in claim 23wherein: said outer shell is formed of metal and is provided withradially protruding and axially extending cooling fins.
 25. The ozonegenerator as defined in claim 24 wherein: said outer shell is formed ofaluminum.
 26. The ozone generator as defined in claim 24 wherein saidouter shell comprises a plurality of adjacently situated individualelements which extend in axial directions and which are held together.